Thursday, December 16, 2010

UNDATED

Here ends the 1864 diary of George Hichborn of Company B, 20th Maine Regiment.  In the rear of this diary are several lists of names of soldiers that Hichborn knew or with whom he served.  Here follows the most legible list, numbered 1-30.

La Voy
 Rathbun
England
Avery
Cooper
McGraw
Vider
McConnell
Depper
Tusler
Lantz
Naylor
Jones
Wrght
Warner
Westfall
Campbell J N
Poulton
Davis
Harris
Kepler
Knollkemper
Johnson
Murphy
Perkins
O'Hara
McComb
thompson
Bonds
Hitcborn



Saturday, December 17, 1864

we arrived in
Boston 8 Oclock AM
f left for Portland
at 2 PM at 8 1/2 got A good
Supplies at the depot
and then went to the
Soldiers rest and stayed
all night

Friday [December] 16 [1864]

arrived in
Philedelphia about
2 Oclock AM  got
very good Breakfast
at the Union relief
Saloon left ther
New York at 4 AM  2PM

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Thursday [December] 15 [1864]

cold and clear
this morn  we fell in
and went to Head
Quarters to get our
furlough  did not get thenm  until we got
down town  took us
boat for Baltimore

Wednesday, December 14, 1864

cold and cloudy

Tuesday [December 13] 1864

still very cold we got
our certificates for
our commutation
money today

Friday, December 10, 2010

Monday [December] 12 [1864]

cold and windy

Sunday, December 11, 1864

cloudy and warm
& very wet under foot
we expected to
start for home but
did not cleared off
and grows cold very
fast

Saturday [December] 10 [1864]

Snowed last night and
is quite warm to day
was mustered for
ration money to day
went to Headquarters
and had our [time?] lists taken

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Friday, December 3, 2010

Tuesday [December] ] 6 [1864]

warm nothing done
yet about our
Furloughs

Monday, December 5, 1864

quite cool to day
no news to day

Sunday [December] 4 [1864]

cold and cloudy
was Payed to day
got $36

Saturday [December] 3 [1864]

A fine morn we fell
in at 10 AM to go to
camp Parole was Searched
to see if we had any
extra Blankets they found
A good many Signed the
Payrolls found Layfeld D B

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Friday, December 2, 1864

cool and rained in
the afternoon drew
another Suit of clothes
to day and had A wash
all over warm water
got full rig now

Thursday, December 1 [1864]

A fine morning and
very cool arrived at
Annapolis at 12 Oclock

Wednesday [November] 30 [1864]

another fine day we
are in the Chesepeak Bay
now of Fortress Monroe
3 Oclock PM we are not
goin to stop at the Fort
and so ends the last day
of the month

Tuesday, November 29, 1864

another lovely day and
we are making good time
for Annapolis A fair
wind Passed Cape Hatteras
6 PM it was very
smooth very few sea
Sick

Friday, November 26, 2010

Monday [November] 28 [1864]

Very fine day good
breeze and we are making
good time on our
way home we Passed Fort Palaskis last
evening just as they
fired the Sunset Gun

Fort Pulaski, Ga., guards the sea approach to Savannah

Sunday [November] 27 [1864]

Another lovely Sabbath
morn it finds me in
prety good health and on
board of one of the
United States [steaners?]
left for Annapolis at 4
PM

Saturday, November 26, 1864

the Rebs took us
on board of their flag
of truce boat and took
us down the bay to
our boats where we
got rations and new
clothes and a good wash.

Friday [November] 25 [1864]

one day I have
Skiped this week

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thursday [Nobember] 24 [1864]

was examined this
morn and Passed they
took Five Hundred Sick
and marched us to Head
Quarters to [?]

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Wednesday, November 23, 1864

another cold night
and here we are at
Savannah all kinds of
Stories afloat about the
exchange drew beef this
morn I got cheated out
of mine rations to day

Monday, November 22, 2010

Tuesday [November] 22 [1864]

was up all night the
coldest night I ever saw
was up all night
bringing wood to keep from
Freesang drew [?] hard
tack & spoonfuls of
Molasses

Friday, November 19, 2010

Monday [November] 21 [1864]

no rations to day
we left this evening
went to the depot
and stayed till
midnight took cars for
Savannah arrived at 4 AM
very cold got of the cars and
^'camped right at the depot.'

Sunday, November 20, 1864

cold and cloudy big
breakfast this morning
Avery left to day feeling
well

Saturday [November] 19 [1864]

cloudy and warm this
morn Avery was
examined last night
and Passed Started to
day but did not go they
took on thousand

Pvt. Charles E. Avery of Co. A. Captured 5/5/1864 at the Wilderness

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Friday [November] 18 [1864]

One thousand
left to day for exchange
they go to Savannah
the Doctors was in
again examining to
day they take 25 out of
A Division

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Monday, November 15, 2010

Tuesday [November] 15 [1864]

One Thousand of
sick and wounded
was taken to the depot
but had to come
back for want of
Transportation are
to go on Friday

Mnday, November 14, 1864

cold and windy
went for wood

Sunday [November] 13 [1864]

A fine day the Reb
Surgeon examined
the sick and wounded
did not reach ours

Saturday [November] 12 [1864]

c9old and the wind
blows A Perfect gale

Friday, November 11, 1864

cloudy and cold
no more news about
the exchange

Thursday [November] 10 [1864]

it was raining when
I awoke up this morn
but faired awarr [?]
about 10 Oclock
and was very warm

Wednesday [November] 9 [1864]

A fine day not very
well fixed my tent
to day

Friday, November 5, 2010

Tuesday, November 8, 1864

A fine day went to the
Presidential Election
Lincon got 930 Majority
big thing for Prisoners to
do Rumors of an
Exchange

Monday [November] 7 [1864]

another lovely day and
here we are ar at camp
Lorten without Shelter
of any kind no
money or Friends

Sunday [November] 6 [1864]

A little warmer to
day did have no tent
yet hard night

Saturday, November 5, 1864

got about 5 hours sleep
last night got up
and found the
wind blowing perfect
gale from the North
just was put in
Prison about 7 AM

Friday [November] 4 [1864]

arrived at Macon
at 4 AM stoped
about one hour
took the Savannah
road arrived at
Lorten 10 AM got out
of the cars and marched
up to the
rison

Camp Lawton on the railroad line going to Savannah and was located in Millen, Ga.

Thursday [November] 3 [1864]

got orders this morn
to be ready to
leave at 11 Oclock
AM but did not
leave until 9 Oclock
PM

Tuesday, November 1, [1864]

cloudy and warm

Wednesday, November 2, 1864

a fine day we
expected to leave to
day but did not

Friday, October 29, 2010

Monday [October] 31 [1864]

cloudy and warm
the first second and
200 of the third left
this morning

Sunday, October 30, 1864

another lovely day the
first and second
detachments got
orders to be ready at
8 Oclock to leave

Saturday [October] 29 [1864]

A fine day my legs
are A little better

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Friday, October 22, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Thursday [October] 13 [1864]

very warm had
to move to day we are
now about midle
way of the Stocade
and about half way
from the dead line
to main street no better
to day

Wednesday, October 12, 1864

another lovely day
here in the confedracy
and no hopes of getting
out very soon the report
is that Grant is fighting
before Richmond now
and is within 4 1/2 miles

Tuesday [October] 11 [1864]

A fine day and
very quiet 370
Prisnors came in this
evening from Shermans
army very small
rations to day

Monday [October] 10 [1864]

A fine day and very
warm but cold
nights feel some
better today

Sunday, October 9, 1864

I was one day
ahead of time
by being carless
on Saturday and not
writing there is
5 detachments
and one hundred
over

Saturday [October] 8 [1864]

A fine day and the
Rebel Sergt. came in
very erly and orderd
every man to pack
up and go over to
the South gate to be formed
into new detachment

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Friday [October] 7 [1864]

cool and cloudy
to day drew beef
beans bacon and bread
salt we expected
to leave to night
took down our tent
and packed all up

Thursday, October 6, 1864

still cloudy but no
rain yet packed up
and expected to go
but did not

Wednesday [October] 5 [1864]

cloudy and cool
to day

Monday, October 4, 2010

Tuesday [October] 4 [1864]

A fine day drew
beans beef bacon and
bread four detachments
left this evening took
one mess out of 57
we had to come
back again

Monday, October 3, 1864

cloudy and cool
heavy thunder Showers this
3d M beef beans
bacon bread
and very small quantities
at that

Sunday [October] 2 [1864]

A fine day and very quiet
we expect to
leave this evening

Saturday, October 1 [1864]

A fine day four
detachments left
this evening.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Thursday [September] 29 [1864]

cool and cloudy to
day all quiet to day
there was no one left to
day beans bacon beef and
Soup meal to day small
quantities of each

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Wednesday [September] 28 [1864]

Another lovely morn
very warm feel well
to day another train
load left this eve

Friday, September 24, 2010

Tuesday, September 27, 1864

warm to day no news
all quiet beans meat Salt
and Molasses to day for
rations quite exciteing
times this evening
the rebs took out the
Mariens and 3 detachments

Monday [September] 26 [1864]

A fine day and quite
cool this morn had
roll call this morn

Sunday [September] 25 [1864]

very cold this morn
the coldest that we have
had since we have been
in the Bull Pen quite
warm this afternoon
drew beans beef and Bread

Saturday, September 24, 1864

cloudy and cool
Sun came out about
ten Oclock no news
to day dull time in
camp live on half
rations and very poor
at that cool to night

Friday [September] 23 [1864]

cool and cloudy
this morn sun
come out A little
while in the afternoon
drew beef Salt Meat
and beans

Thursday [September] 22 [1864]

cloudy the rebs has
been reorganizeing
the old detachments
and we are now filled
up and our number is
57 drew beef beans
bread to day little better
this evening

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Wednesday, September 21, 1864

cloudy and quite
warm did not feel very
well to day did not
draw Molasses it run
out before it come
to ours

Tuesday [September] 20 [1864]

cloudy and warm
nothing new to day
the removal of Prisnors
is very Slow on
account of Transportation

Friday, September 17, 2010

Monday [September] 19 [1864]

cloudy and warm they
took 1300 Shermans
men out to night
drew meat and molasses
to night and soaked
beans got shaved to
day

Sunday, Septemer 18, 1864

cloudy and rainy
but very warm
no news to day
every thing is quiet
in regard to the
exchange

Saturday [Septembr] 17 [1864]

warm and cloudy
all quiet to day
700 Shermans men
left to night for Atlanta

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Friday [September] 16 [1864]

Another lovely day
and every thing is
quiet to day no
Prisnors taken out
to day cannot get
transportation

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Thursday, September 15, 1864

very warm Church
left to day they took
A load of the sick
that could walk

Possibly Corporal Joseph S. Church of Co. E, 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, captured June 22, 1864, at Petersburg.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Wednesday [September] 14 [1864]

very warm quite
a serious axident
happened to day on
the railroad killed
7 yankees and one
Darky will delay
the transportations

Tuesday [September] 13 [1864]

Another lovely day
and very warm

Monday, September 12, 1864

A fine day and the
rebs are Still hurrying
up with the yanks
20 more detachments
left to night we get
very poor rations now
bread and molasses no
meat

Monday, September 13, 2010

Sunday [September]11 [1864

A fine day from
19-38 left to day
about all the boys
from the 20 left except
Avery Davis and myself

Corporal Charles E. Avery Co. B captured in Wilderness with Hitchborn May 5, 1864; survived imprisonment
Private Willilam L. Davis Co. E captured July 10, 1863; died in Andersonville and is buried in National Cemetery there

Friday, September 10, 2010

Saturday [September] 10 [1864]

another lovely day 8 3
detachments left at 2
Oclock this morn
quite cool this evening

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Friday, September 9, 1864

cloudy and quite
cool to day do not
feel very well the
Chickamauga Prisnors
left to day part of
them came back for
want of transportation

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Thursday [September] 8 [1864]

another lovely day and
they are still to work
takeing out the old
Bell island prisnors
the report is that
there is to be a general ex
change

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Wednesday [September] 7 [1864]

another lovely day and
the camp is all excited
this morn 10 detach
left this morn four of
them came back the
cars did not arrive they
left again at eve

Tuesday, September 6, 1864

another lovely morn
got up pretty early
this morn feel pretty
well this morn 18 detach
ments ordered to be
ready to leave in the
morn quite warm

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Monday [September] 5 [1864]

A fine day and very
warm more Prisners
from Shermans army
Atlanta reported to
be taken and 8,000
Prisnors with it

On September 1, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood evacuated Atlanta, after a four-month siege by Union forces under Union General William T. Sherman. The following day the Mayor formally surrendered the city.

Sunday[September] 4 [1864]

cloudy and quite
cool to day another
Sabbath has come and
brought no change
although camp rumors is
as prevelent as ever
but we cannot feel any
dependence on them.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Saturday, September 3, 1864

cloudy and quite cool
C Richardson died last
night he belonged to
Co D 81st Maine was
wounded at the battle
of Spotsylvania May
the 11th feel pretty well to
day

Andersonville Prison records and the roster of the 31st Maine list a Corrector K. Richardson, of Company F, 31st Maine.

Friday [September 2] 1864

Another lovely day had
the absis on my neck
lanced to day by A
Hospital Steward from
the 8 Mich In

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Thursday, September 1 [1864]

A fine day for the
first day of fall
do not feel very well
to day

Wednesday, August 31, 1864

quite cool to day
some better to day
no news yet about the
exchanging of Prisnors

Monday, August 30, 2010

Tuesday [August] 30 [1864]

warm went to see the
Doctor his morn got
A Bandage for my head
no medicen given out
I feel very weak to
day

Friday, August 27, 2010

Monday [August] 29 [1864]

cloudy and quite cool to
day drew beef this morn
no news to day to day makes
one month in the Bull
Pen in GA do not stand
it very well

Sunday, August 28, 1864

very plesant morn
feel pretty well camp
rumors is that there is
to be an exchange but I
do not know whether it is
true or no cool this
evening

Saturday [August] 27 [1864

A fine day and very
warm my throat is
getting very Soar
[word lined out] we drew wood to
day for the first time

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Friday [August] 26 [1864]

very warm to day the
warmest for the month
Oceas [Oakes?] left to day and
went over with the
1st Maine boys we drew
molasses pork beef Salt
and bread rice to day

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Thursday, August 25, 1864

clear and warm
we made quite
A change with our [rations] give
raw rations now in
place of cooked ones drew
beef

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Wednesday [August] 24 [1864]

very clear and plesant
morn quite A breese
this evening drew our
rations this eve

Tuesday [August] 23 [1864]

fine day drew beans
this morn for yesterday
beans pork and bread
to night all quiet
to night about the
Same

Friday, August 20, 2010

Monday, August 22, 1864

cloudy and warm
had good wash this
morn and washed my
Shirt do not feel very
well to day drew bread
and molasses to day

Sunday [August] 21 [1864]

Still cloudy and
rainey to day quite
cool

Saturday [August] 20 [1864]

cloudy and warm
Showery all day by Spells
do not feel very well to
day did not draw
meat to night

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Friday, August 19, 1864

cloudy and cool
rained some in
the afternoon but we
got our rations the
old detachments drew
beef and salt in the the
forenoon

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Thursday [August] 18 [1864]

Another fine day
A little cooler no news
to day camp rumors
sh has played out

Wednesday [August] 17 [1864]

A fine day and
very warm feel better
to day

Monday, August 16, 2010

Tuesday, August 16, 1864

A fine day and no
rain to Spe
do not feel very
well to day

Monday [August] 15 [1864]

cloudy and A little
cooler to day drew
pork this morn bread
and beef this evening

Sunday [August] 14 [1864]

very fine morn and
warm do not feel very
well to day drew bread
and beans no meat

Saturday, August 13, 1864

Another lovely day
and very warm drew
two days rations of
meat and beans &
Bread Rumer camp
rumors is that we
are to be Paroled on
Monday

Friday [August] 12 [1864]

very warm and
Showery col cooler
this evening

Thursday [August] 11 [1864]

warm and showery
to day our Officers at
Macon have been
exchanged no news
as to when we Shall
get out Roll call this
morn

Wednesday, August 10, 1864

very warm to day
A very heavy thunder
Shower drew two days
Rations to day The Rebs
have began to build
Barraks and enlarg the
Stockade

Tuesday [August] 9 [1964]

cloudy and warm
real dog days weath
weather very heavy
showers about 2 Oclock
perfect Stream ran
through the tent no rations

Friday, August 13, 2010

Monday [August] 8 [1864]

cloudy and warm
thunder Showers in
the forenoon and one
in the evening
my face is about the
same we draw very
poor rations

Saturday, August 7, 1864

very warm to day
no news to day of
importance to day
camp rumors are as
Prevalent as ever but
not reliable

Saturday [August] 6 [1864]

cloudy and warm to
day Dittmore died to day
of Co A taken the
5th May no news of
importance one man
Shot for getting under
the dead line

Private Herman Dittman, spelled variously Dittmer, Debbmer and Dittener.

Friday [August] 5 [1864]

Another lovely day
and here I am in
the Bull Pen Near
Andersonvill GA been
a Prisnor just three
months to day and
not much Sign of getting
out

Thursday, August 4, 1864

very warm to
day no better no
news to day

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Wednesday [August] 3 [1864]

warm to day A few
more Prisners arrived
to day Gen Stoneman
is reported to be taken
captured 24 miles
from Macon GA

Union General George Stoneman (1822-1894) was captured on July 31, 1864, while on a raid to free the Andersonville prisoners.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Tuesday [August] 2 [1864]

cloudy and warm to-
day and here I am at
Camp Sumter Ga their is
about 30,000 Prisners
here I am about the
Same as I have been
for the last two months

Friday, July 30, 2010

Monday, August 1, 1864

cloudy and warm
rumers that we are
to be Paroled the Rebs
are moveing the Sick
from the Hospital
do not feel very well
to day cool this eve

Sunday [July] 31 [1864

warm do not like
very well corn
Bread and very
poor meat

Saturday [July] 30 [1864]

very warm I went
into tent with
Warner and some Co
I boys Sergt Thomas is
here drew rations
for thirty men to-
day corn bread and pork

Sgt. Renel Thomas, Co. I
Pvt. Sumner Warner, Co. B

Friday, July 29, 1864

here we are in the
field had no water
since yesterday now
10 AM took our names
and put us in the
pen with the rest of
the Prisners drew rations

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Thursday [July] 28 [1864]

here we are at
Macon GA this morn
the Officers left us
this morn took cars
for and
Andersonvill
arrived at 7 PM

Wednesday [July] 27 [1864]

arrived at Augusta
at 11 AM drew rations
and left at three
PM for Andersonvill
distance 180 miles
passed through quite
A number of prety
towns

Monday, July 26, 2010

Tuesday, July 26, 1864

lay in the cars all night
at the depot took the cars
again at 11 1/2 Oclock for
Augusta GA good
many nice looking
towns along the road
Branchvill Station GA

Friday, July 23, 2010

Monday [July] 25 [1864]

arrived at Charlott
at 2 in the morn and
they took us out to a peice of
woods and we slept to
morn then we took the
cars for Columbia SC
arrived at 7 at eve

Sunday [July] 24 [1864]

was awoke up this morn
at two and marched to
the depot and took the
cars for Greenbrier arrived
at 2
NC very poor
looking country arrived at 12 took cars
for Charlotte

Saturday, July 23, 1864

we arrived at Danvill at
2 this morn lay in the cars
till 7 then went to Prison
and stayed all day drew
rations half loaf of
corn bread half pound of
bacon pint of beans [?]

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Friday [July] 22 [1864]

very Plesent we left
Lynchburg at 7 AM for
Danville Farmvill Station
is A sight small place
Berksvill Junction
looks as though the
Yanks had been there

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Thursday [July] 21 [1864]

Another lovely day and
here we are in Lynchburg
Prison on half Rations
hardly room for us
to lay down about the
same to day no news
left the Prison at 6 PM

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Wednesday, July 20, 1864

cloudy and cool out
doors Lynchburg
Prison is hot enough
to suffocate any one
do not get much
to eat my jaw is very
Soar to day

Monday, July 19, 2010

Tuesday [July] 19 [1864]

did not sleep much
last night do not like
the Prison very well
got one Small loaf of
bread for todays
rations no meat plenty
of water [?] corn bread [?]

Friday, July 16, 2010

Monday [July] 18 [1864]

warm and very
Plesent the Doctor
took Davis and my names
to send us away
to the [?] [?]
[illegible line crossed out; begins but we...]
we left at 6 and [?]
no news from the
raiders very warm

Sunday, July 17, 1864

Another lovely day
the Rebel Raiders
reported to be falling
back across the Potomac
at Edwards Ferry Grant
is still at work in front of
Petersburg about the
same to day

Saturday [July] 16 [1864]

windy and cool
to day the 6th and 2nd
A Corps reported to
have left Petersburg
and gone to Washington
95 Prisnors came in
to day captured in Md

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Friday [July] 15 [1864]

cloudy and cool this
morn do not feel
quite so well this
morn as usual mush
and milk for dinner
nothing new from
the Rebel raid

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Thursday, July 14, 1864

clear and very warm
this morn clouded
up about noon
Gen Early Reported
to be within two miles
of Washington about
the same to day

Wednesday [July] 13 [1864

Another lovely day has
passed away no news
except the Rebs was
repulsed at Fredrick
City Md on the 7 inst
about the same
traded pants got $5.00

Monday, July 12, 2010

Tuesday [July] 12 [1864]

Another day has passed
and brought no change^'s'
with it to me just
the same we cannot
go any where [and?]
no one came near us
cool and cloudy

Friday, July 9, 2010

Monday, July 11, 1864

warm and very clear
this morn Grant
reported to be falling
back clouded up about
noon about the same
to day as usual thunder
showers this evening

Sunday [July ] 10 [1864]

clear and very warm
about the same this
morn dull times nothing
to read another Sabbath
has passed and here
I am a Prisnor yet
[final line too faced to decipher]

Saturday [July] 9 [1864]

A good nights rest feel
well this morn bread
and Has[h] for Breakfast
cloudy and cool this
morn better living then
we had down to Fords
Hospital warm this evening

Friday, July 8, 1864

very warm was sent
from Fords Hospital to
Nites Hospital about
150 yards from Fords
do not like the change
very well wheat Bread
and coffee for Supper

Thursday [July] 7 [1864]

very warm and clear
feel A little better to day
The Doctor took our names
again to day all quiet to
night no news very
Plesant evening and
here I am a Prisnor

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Wednesday [July] 6 [1864]

quite cool to day
about the same no
news the Doctor
took all the names of them
that had limbs of[f] are [or]
broken bones news to
night that they are Pardoning all
wounded Prisoners at Richmond

Tuesday July 5, 1864

very warm about
the same write A
Letter to Father and
Mother to it is very
uncertain whether they
will ever get it or not
Sergt Hayem give me the
Paper and envelopes

Sgt. Thomas R. Hayne of Co E or Sgt. Charles H. Haynes of Co E?

Tuesday July 5, 1864

Monday [July] 4 [1864]

cloudy and cool to day
no celebration to day
does not seem like
the fourth but it
has played out with
the Southern confederacy
all quiet to night

Sunday [July] 3 [1864]

cloudy and warm
this morn I think that
I am A little better
cooler the afternoon
about the same tea and
Brad for Breakfast Soup
and Bread for Dinner Bread
and tea for supper

Saturday, July 2, 1864

warm to day about
the same to day another
Squad of Yankee
Convalescents went by
to day they went to
prison about half m
mile distant cooler this
evening

Friday, July 1 [1864]

warm and very ples
this morn thunder
Showers about two
Oclock A Squad of
prisoners went by to
day all wounded
and convalescents

Thursday [June] 30 [1864]

cloudy and cool to
day 23 Prisoners from
Petersburg passed here
to day on rout for
Georgia all belonging to
the 2nd AC captured
at the 22 near Petersburg

Wednesday, June 29, 1864

Very cool they sent
A Squad of seven
away to day to the
Provost Marshalls Office
about the my jaw not
Swollen quite so bad

Tuesday [June] 28 [1864]

Cloudy and very cool
this morn about the
same no news of
any importance A
rumer that we are
to be paroled soon
Breakfast at 5 D 12 S at 5 1/2

Monday [June] 27 [1864]

very warm no better
yet the negroes are
all ordered to danvill
to work on
the fortifications at that
place Shower this
afternoon quite cool this
evening

Sunday, June 26, 1864

very warm, about
the same was painted
again to day no news
the Yankees burned
the station at
depot at fawns Station
and tore the track up

Saturday [June] 25 [1864]

A fine day about the
same got some milk
for Breakfast had my
face painted to day
to take the swelling/
out

Friday [May] 24 [1864]

A good days rest
feel about the same to day
very warm corn bread
and soup for dinner
bread and coffee for
Supper Bacon Bread
and coffee for Breakfast

Thursday, June 23, 1864

very war I was
sent to another Hosp
ward NO 5 dinner
No 2 their was A
Squad came from
Gordonsvill Clark
Haines Hoffman came

16 men named Clark in the 20th Maine; a Thomas M. Clark was in Co. B
a Charles H. or John F. Haines?

Wednesday [June] 22 [1864]

very warm they sent
two Squads away
to day Avery went
in the second
Clayton Hospital
Ward No. 2 bng 3

James P. Avery Co. B

Friday, June 18, 2010

Tuesday [June] 21 [1864]

A good days rest had
soup for dinner did
not eat much supper
very warm no news
about 3 AM more woun
ded arrived to day they
come into the same Hos

Monday, June 20, 1864

very warm we left
Charlottesvill at three PM
arrived at 9 1/2 PM we stoped
at the Wayside Hospital
all night in the morn
we wer sent to the
C lot in Hospital

Sunday [June] 19 [1864]

warm and very
plesant no news of
importance to day
got some chicken
soup and milk for
supper some eggs

Saturday [June] 18 [1864]

very warm about the
same got some
milk and cakes
to day no news to
day drew soft bread
to day

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Friday, June 17, 1864

very warm feel prety
well Ewells Corps is
passing on the cars to
day on rout for
Lynchburg we are still
at Charlottsvill yet
drew soft bread today

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Thursday [June] 16 [1864]

here at Charlottesvill yet
very warm got some
milk to day
Ewells corps encamped
nere here to night
on rout for
Lynchburg

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Wednesday [June] 15 [1864]

very plesant and
warm had some
gruel and coffee for
breakfast they brought
in five cavalry men
to day that wer
wounded near Gordens

Presumably Union cavalry wounded in fight at Trevilian Station

Monday, June 14, 2010

Tuesday, June 14, 1864

very warm we left
the cars this morn
about 10 and walked
back to town they had
put up some tents
for us I drew some
meal and mad gruel

Friday, June 11, 2010

Monday [June] 13 [1864]

Another day at
Charlottsvill had to
stop in the cars all
day no event to day
of importance
very warm do not
feel so sell to day

Sunday [June] 12 [1864]

lay at Charlottsvill all
day waiting for the Rebs
to repair the Railroad
that Hunters cavalry tore
up lay in the cars all day
let out and[?] about half
an hour feel pretty well

Saturday, June 11, 1864

cloudy and cool we
stoped ^'arrived' at Charlotsvill about
2 in the morn stoped all
night left Charlottsvill 2
PM went about 30 miles
and came back again
the yanks were to near the
Road

Battle of Trevilian Station

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Friday [June] 10 [1864]

very warm about
the same mush and
milk for breakfast rice
and milk for dinner
our cavalry reported
within four miles
of here left for Lynchurg 9

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Thursday [June] 9 [1864]

do not feel quite so
well to day as usual
cloudy and quite cool
was moved from Ward
So K very warm in the
afternoon got my hair
cut and shaved paid 75

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Wednesday, June 8, 1864

still at Gordonsvill
expect to leave soon
the Rebs is moving troops
to Staunton it is reported
that Grant has faling back
from Richmond no news
to day they bring my
meals to me

Monday, June 7, 2010

Tuesday [June] 7 [1864]

Stoped at Gordonsville
all day get plenty
to eat my jaw is
prety soar to day very
warm bought some
milk

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tuesday [June] 6 [1864]

Camped last night at
Minervill started
this morn at five
arrived at Orange at
10 s[t]ayed till 1 then
left for Lynchburg
s[t]oped at Gordonsville at night

Sunday, June 5, 1864

Cloudy and cool got
up very early went to
the creek and washed
feel pretty well did not
get rations till late
got some bread and
milk started for Orange

Saturday [June] 4 [1864]

Clear and very windy
Radman Lnydes and
Geary left this morn
for the Potomac no
milk to day about
the same clouded
up about noon

Possibly George K. Redmond, private in Co. F.; John Lyndes, private in Co. D and John Geary, private in co. K.

Friday [June] 3 [1864]

warm and very
plesant this morn
they sent A squad
to Orange Court
House Leyford went

Possibly Danville B. Lyford a private in Co. B., 20th Maine

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Thursday, June 2, 1864

Cloudy and very
cool feel pretty well
to day bought some
buttermilk payed
50 cts canteen full
rained in the
afternoon

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Wednesday June 1 [1864]

Very plesent and
warm about the
same my face is
swollen pretty bad
got some milk
and pie

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Tuesday [May] 31 [1864]

clear and very warm
about the same I get
some milk to day
herd that Gen Lee
was killed but don't
know whether it
is true or not

Monday, May 30, 1864

Cloudy in the morn
cleared away about
nine do not feel quite
so well to day feel
better since I got
some milk to drink

Friday, May 28, 2010

Sunday [May] 29 [1864]

very plesent this
morn feel pretty well
p[l]enty to eat to day
bought it of A
citizen had to pay prety
dear for it

Saturday [May] 28 [1864]

Very plesent this
morn got to hard
crackers for breakfast
No news today.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Friday, May 27, 1864

Clear and very
plesent about the
same this morn
went to the brook
and washed got pan
cake for supper

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Thursday [May] 26 [1864

Cloudy and warm
feel about the same
this morn gruel for
dinner cleared away
about noon another
shower to night

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Wednesday [May] 25 [1864]

Clear and very
warm this morn
about the same
cannonading this
morn thunder shower
about dark [-]
in perfect [-]

Monday, May 24, 2010

Tuesday, May 24, 1864

Very plesent this
morn went to creek
and washed myself
this morn feel prety
well to day get about
2/3 as much as want
to eat thunder shower

Friday, May 21, 2010

Monday [May] 23 [1864]

cloudy and quite
cool this morn no
news about the same
did not rest very
well last night

Sunday [May] 22 [1864]

warm and very
plesent do not
feel quite so well
this morn got two
cakes and cup
full of rice soup
they sent all that could walk
to Orange

Saturday, May 21, 1864

Very plesent this
morn got on[e] cake for
Breakfast I feel quite
well this morn
thunder showers
at night

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Friday [May] 20 [1864]

very plesant this morn
about the same not
any pains got half
pint of rice watter for
Breakfast quite easy
to night drew
Rations to night

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Tuesday [May] 19 [1864]

about the same this
morn quite cool but
the sun shines some [?]
Dan [or I am?] this morn rest[?]
quite comfortably
very quiet to night
had my tent moved to day

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Wednesday, May 18, 1864

quite easy this morn
cloudy and cold
Heavy cannonading
this morn coffee for
Breakfast showers in
the afternoon very
comfortable to night

Perhaps the guns at Harrison House in the continuing battle of Spotsylvania Court House.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Tuesday [May] 17 [1864]

A little better to day
Len died last night
about seven Oclock

The remaining three lines are faded almost to illegibility with only a few words visible:
possibly
[he was very aware
and passed away
-----------------]

Friday, May 14, 2010

Monday [May] 16 [1864]

not much better to day

Sunday, May 15, 1864

A good deal better
to day crawled out
of the tent this morn
but cannot walk
can just stand up
nothing to eat to
day but hard bread

Saturday [May] 14 [1864]

A little better to
day rainy and
cold got some
meal gruel and
beef tea

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Friday [May] 13 [1864]

Ah I am so tired
of lying here on the
ground what shall
I do so weak that
I cannot get out
of the tent Len had
his leg amputated today

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Thursday, May 12, 1864

very bad this morn
got wet last night
Len is growing
worse had some
flour gruel could
not eat much

Monday, May 10, 2010

Wednesday [May] 11 [1864]

no letters bled again
last night cloudy
and cold drank A
little beef tea this
morn am very weak

Tuesday [May] 10 [1864]

rainy to day bled
again to day I am
so weak that I
cannot walk all that
I can eat is beef tea
and flour gruel

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Monday, May 9, 1864

no better yet
got some gruel
to day
very warm
Bled very bad
to day

Sunday [May] 8 [1864]

nothing that I can
eat yet my mouth
is very bad
saw Lieut Lane to
day we are expecting
to go to Richmond

Lieut Frederic W. Lane of Co. B

Saturday [May] 7 [1864]

here I am yet
nothing to eat
and my wound
not dressed either
Pinkham & Elliot died
last night.

Friday, May 6, 1864

here I am A
Prisnor and
wounded in the
face Len [?] Green
is here with me
his leg broke

Possibly Sgt. Orlando Green of Co. B.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Thursday [May] 5 [1864]

threw up breast
works this morn
and remained
till noon when
we was ordered
to advance
B Co was badly cut up
I was wounded

Writing in diary switches from ink to pencil at this point.

The Battle of the Wilderness began on May 5. The 20th Maine was flanked and the refuse-the-line movement they had executed so successfully on Little Round Top the previous year failed. Most of the men were able to cut their way back to Union lines. Hichborn and a few other wounded could not.

Wednesday [May] 4 [1864]

Very warm started this
morn at 1 Oclock and
marched till 3 PM
we marched about 18
miles and went into
camp for the night
all quiet to night

Monday, May 3, 2010

Tuesday, May 3, 1864

Was relieved this
morn very plesant
the bugle blew at
1 Oclock to pack up
we marched about
5 miles and went into
camp for the night

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Monday [May] 2 [1864]

In camp to day I
went on guard this
morn all quiet
we have six days
raitions on hand
received A letter
from Sarah to night

Sunday, May 1 [1864]

Cloudy to day we wer[e]
awake this morn at five
by the drums and had
orders to be ready to
move at nine the 57
relieved and we went to
Brandy Station and
^'camped' for the night'

Saturday, April 30, 1864

Cloudy to day but very
warm we was mustered
the IVRS Corps crossed
the river to day for the
front the 67 Mass
came up to night
and are in camp
& just across the Railroad

Friday [April] 29 [1864]

Very warm to day
Co drill 10 AM Co drill
2 1/2 PM
Parade at 5
all quiet the 44th
came back to day

Thursday [April] 28 [1864]

Another lovely day
Knapsack drill
10 AM nothing new
to day the report is that Gen Burnsides
Head Quarters is at
Manassas parade at 4 1/2

Wednesday, April 27, 1864

Very pleasant this morn
Knapsack drill this
AM 9 1/2 Oclock Battalion
2 PM was drilled by Maj
Ellis Spear Parade at
the usual time all quiet
to night no Letters

Monday, April 26, 2010

Tuesday [April] 26 [1864]

Another lovely day was
relieved this morn
at ten Oclock worked
the rest of the forenoon
on my Rifle Co drill
2 PM Parade at the
usual hour all quiet

Friday, April 23, 2010

Monday [April] 25 [1865]

Cold and windy this
morn rained hard all
last night all quiet
to day went to camp
to get Rations this
morn

sunday, april 24, 1864

Went to camp this morn
Very warm and plesant
nothing new to day
the Division orders of the
day was here
all quiet to night

Saturday [April] 23 [1864]

Another lovely day went
on Picket this morn
I went with three men
to the River and we
Relieved ourselves all
quiet to night no
news

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Friday [April] 22 [1864]

Very warm to day Co
drill 10 AM Battalion
drill 2 PM by Maj
Ellis Spear no news
to day the engineer Corps
began to build A
Stoc[k]ade to day to defend
the Bridge

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Thursday, April 21, 1864

Cold and windy this morn
was relieved from Railroad
this morn went out target
Shooting in the forenoon
Battalion Drill 2 PM
Parade at the usual
hour no news to day

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Wednesday [April] 20 [1864]

Cloudy to day and very
warm looks like rain
went over to the Ambulance Corps
to get my Boots mended
Co Drill 10 AM Co Drill
1 PM Parade at the usual
Hour

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Tuesday [April] 19 [1864]

Warm and very Pleasant
indeed was inspected by
Capt. Baxter of the 118 OV
the guard was inspected before
guard mount A detail
for Picket and I am in
luck once more did not have to ^'go'

Monday, April 18, 1864

Another lovely day and
I was on guard all quiet
to day orders for
A Gen Inspection to
morrow at 10 Oclock
all quiet to day had to
stay to the Guard [- -]

Sunday [April] 17 [1864]

Another lovely day
but very mudy [?] no
Inspection to day
was detailed for
camp Guard tomorrow
no News to day

Saturday [April] 16 [1864]

Cloudy this morn began
to Rain about eight AM
rained all day very hard
then was on detail for Picket
I did not have to go
the Sutlers left to day
for Washington no news

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Friday, April 15, 1864

Another lovely day Co Drill
in the forenoon Packed up
our overcoats this PM
received two Letters one
from Father and one from
Cousin Eliza answered them
both Parade at the usual hour

Thursday [April 14] 1864

Clear and very warm indeed
Target Shooting this fore noon
I was detailed to get
wood Parade at the usual hour

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Wednesday [April] 13 [1864]

Another lovely day we were
payed yesterday Co Drill AM
Co Drill PM wrote
two letters one to Father
and one to Cousin John
Parade at the usual hour

Tuesday, April 12, 1864

Another lovely day went on
Camp Guard this morning
Relief was the first we
were Payed to day for the
Months of Jan & February
Received Two Letters to night
one from Father and one John

Friday, April 9, 2010

Monday [April] 11 [1864]

Another Lovely day A
detail for Picket went out
this morn the cars do not
run yet Co Drill 9 1/2 Oclock
AM Co Drill 1 1/2 PM Parade
at the usual hour drew
one pair of Pants Drawers Socks

Sunday [April] 10 [1864]

Clear and cold this morn
the River is very high the high[est]
it has been in the Spring
Orders for Inspection at four
PM was inspected by Maj
Spear commanding the Regt
no Mail to night Bull Run Bridge
was carried away by the Freshet

Saturday, April 9, 1864

Cold and rainy this morn
went on camp guard my
Relief was the third three men
in A relief nothing new to
day rains very hard this
afternoon no Letters to night
All quiet on the Rappahannock

Thursday, April 8, 2010

[Friday] April 8 [1864]

Another fine day
Co Drill 9 1/2 AM
was detailed for
guard to morrow
Field Parade at 5 1/2 ^'Oclock' PM

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

[Thursday] April 7 [1864]

Very pleasant to day and
warm Co Drill 9 1/2 AM
Co Drill 1 1/2 PM
George W Hichborn
Thomas F Hodgden
Samuel Freeman
WM Willard

Hichborn gives no explanation for listing the names of three other men in Co. B

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Wednesday, April 6, 1864

Cleared away this morn
and was very warm
in camp all day nothing
to do worked on my
rifle most all the afternoon
no Parade to night
all quiet to night at Rappa[hannock]

Tuesday [April] 5 [1864]

Still raining this morn
was relieved at ten Oclock
got to camp about 12 Oclock
not all over going in
got A letter from Sade
and wrote an answer to
it still a raining 10 Oclock PM

Monday [April] 4 [1864]

Very cold this morn and
Cloudy began to rain about
two Oclock PM rained all
night went to camp this
morn for Raitions shall
be Relieved to morrow
no news to day

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Sunday, April 3, 1864

Very cold this morn and the
wind blows A perfect
Hurricane on Picket to day
my Relief is the fourth
Seven men on a relief no
news to day

Saturday [April] 2 [1864]

Cold and windy this morn
went on Picket we[?] were[?] ordered
to go to the Right of the line
and relieve the 16th Mich
Capt Chemberlin had
command of the detail
from our Regt

Captain Thomas D. Chamberlain (1841-1896)

Friday, April 1 [1864]

Cloudy and began to rain
about 2 Oclock PM Marsdan
Griffin and Lieut Griffin
came today they have been
home on Furlough Co Drill
10 AM received three letters Lizzie
wrote two one to Lizzie and Mother

home to morrow Perade at [?]

Benjamin Griffin Sgt. Co. B
Ezra B. Marden Pvt. Co. B
Lt. William Griffin later Cap. Co. B

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Thursday, March 31, 1864

Cloudy and very cold
day I was detailed
to get wood had A good
Squad out 15 loads
and got back to camp at
2 Oclock PM Co drill 10 AM
Battalion drill at 3 PM

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Wednesday [March] 30 [1864]

Awoke up this morn and
it was still raining very
hard rained until 10 AM
cloudy the rest of the day
river very high carried
the east end of the Bridge
down river so that the
trains ^'did not run'

Monday, March 29, 2010

Tuesday [March] 29 [1864]

Cloudy and cold
began to rain about
four PM rained
very hard no news
all quiet on the
Rappahannock
Geo. W Hichborn
Medford Maine

Friday, March 26, 2010

Monday, March 28, 1864

Another lovely day co drill
10 AM 2 PM wrote three
letters to day one from to Father
one from to Meda and one to
Nella received one from
Father Parade at the usual
hour

Sunday [March] 27 [1864]

Another Lovely day was relieved
this morn got to camp 10 AM
Orders for inspection at
4 PM inspected by Maj
[Ellis] Spears the 15 New York
heavy Artillery went to
the front to day.

Saturday [March] 26 [1864]

[word lined out and illegible] Cold and cloudy to day went into camp at noon shall be relieved to morrow all quiet to night Maj Gen Sykes isappointed superseded by Warren

General George Sykes (1822-1880) known as "Tardy George" was deemed too slow on the offense by General George G. Meade and was later relieved as commander of the V Corps.

General Gouverneur Kemble Warren (1830-1882) had been in charge of the II Corps in the absence of Winfield S. Hancock who had been severely wounded at Gettysburg. In March of 1864 Warren was given command of the V Corps, "much to the satisfaction of the Maine men," according to Pullen in "The 20th Maine."

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Friday, March 25, 1864

Cold and cloudy this
morn began to rain
at four A M rained very
hard until 12 Oclock
then cleared away cold
and the wind blew very
hard all quiet to night

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Thursday [March] 24 [1864]

Another Lovely day and
I went on Picket my
Relief was the first five
men in A Relief
received A Letter from
Meda all quiet to night

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Wednesday [March] 23 [1864]

Clear and very plesant
about one foot of snow the
wind blew some in the forenoon
but the snow melted very fast all
day was detailed for Picket
to morrow orders to shoot at
Practice shooting at target

Monday, March 22, 2010

Tuesday, March 22, 1864

Cloudy and the wind blew
in the forenoon began to
snow about 2 Oclock snows
very hard to night very
cold did not get the mail
to night no news all
quiet on the Banks of Brandy

Friday, March 19, 2010

Monday [March] 21 [1864]

Clear and warm William
Weymouth was here to day
Charles is A prisnor at
Richmond was taken in Kilpatricks raid [illegible] A
big washing [?] to day

Sunday [March] 20 [1864]

Another clear and very
pleasant day wind blew this
afternoon had to fall in
at 9 Oclock AM and
stack arms all quiet to
night on the Rappahannock
no Parade got a letter from home

Saturday, March 19, 1864

Another Lovely day no drill
the Regt had to fall in and
have their Potografs taken
today received A letter to night
from Sarah and wrote an
answer to it nothing new
no Parade all quiet to night

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Friday [March] 18 [1864]

Another lovely day
Co Drill this AM cancel
Drill this PM quite
exciting times this
evening Fell in three
lines and manhunt
yet 9 Oclock PM

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Thursday [March] 17 [1864]

Clear and windy went
over to Corps Head Qr
as Guard this morn
Relieved the 83rd. Penn
dull times to day not
nothing to do till to night
my Relief is the 1st four men

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Wednesday, March 16, 1864

Clear and windy Squad
drill at 10 AM there is
A Ball over to Division
Head Quarters to night
Grand time I expect was
detailed for Corps Head
Quarters to morrow No Parade

In his Recollections Ellis Spears mentions this ball to which some of the officers of the Regiment received invitations. He attended with his wife Susan and Captain Samuel Keene with his wife Sarah.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Tuesday [March] 15 [1864]

Windy and cold inspection
was inspected by Capt Nash
Gen inspecting officer
3rd. Brigad / 4th Division
5 A Corps write two letters
one to Dan Chase one
to Lizzie Codill 2 PM

Friday, March 12, 2010

Monday [March] 14 [1864]

Clear and very warm went
to Corps HQ Orders
for Gen Inspections to
morrow wrote three
letters this eve one to
Addie Eliza Ell no Parade
to night received two
letters Eliza Ell

Sunday, March 13, 1864

Clear and windy Co
inspection at 10 Oclock
by Capt W. G. Morrill
Parade At the usual
hour

Saturday [March] 12 [1864]

Another lovely day was
relieved At nine this morn
from Guard Orders for
inspection worked on
my Rifle about all day
no Letters to night
Parade at the usual hour

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Friday [March]11 [1864]

Went on Guard this morn my
Relief was the 2 four men
in A relief began to rain about
11 Oclock rained all the rest
of the day no News no letters
guess that the folks have all
gone to sleep to Home

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Thursday, March 10, 1864

Cloudy this morn looks
like rain began to rain
about ten. rained all day
was detailed to go on
Camp Guard to morrow
nothing new to day no
Letters Co drill 9 1/2 AM

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Wednesday [March] 9 [1864]

Another lovely day came
of guard this morn at nine
Oclock Freeman on Railroad
I am on Corps HQ Guard
been to work on my Rifle to
day Parade at the usual
Hour No Drill to day

Pvt, later Cpl Samuel Freeman of 20th Maine, Co. B, possibly the Samuel Freeman (1830- ) a graduate of Bowdoin College and later a druggist in Chelsea, Mass.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Tuesday [March] 8 [1864]

Rained all the forenoon
cleared away about noon
and the sun came out I
went on guard this morn
my Relief was the 32nd. four
men in A relief nothing new
no Letters to night

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Monday, March 7, 1864

Clear and windy Co drill in
the forenoon Battalion in the
afternoon had to drill to
Pleas the Laides ?] of the 20th
Maine Great Perfomances
now Maj Spear is in command
Parade at the usual hour

The Civil War Recollections of General Ellis Spear notes that in early January "came a remarkable innovation, unknown to us before in the history of the war. Ladies were permitted to come to a regimental camp." He goes on to note that two or three officers's wives visited camp.

Sunday [March] 6 [1864]

Cloudy and windy
inspection at four Oclock
by Major Ellis Spear
Parade at four no news
to day write A Letter to
Mother to day all quiet
on the Rappahannock [unreadable]

Saturday [March] 5 [1864]

Cloudy and rain not
Releived yet no Rastions
either we started for camp
at 12 Oclock went out to the
Junction took the 2 Oclock
Train went to Rapp. Station
they was just getting ready to
send A relief out

Friday, March 4, 1864

Cloudy and rain windy
no Rastions to day nothing
to do to day Got my dinner
and Supper up to our
Friends they are real
Secss and are not afraid to
[word lined out] talk and own it

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Thursday [March ] 3 [1864]

Another lovely day went out
again this morn not much
to do went up to A Secess
House and bought my dinner
Payed 50 cts I got A
letter from Home to night
no Gurrellers yet

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Wednesday [March] 2 [1864]

Clear and cold went with five
men from my Regt went out
about half A mile established
the Picket line stayed
till night then went back
to the Reserve nothing new
to day

Monday, March 1, 2010

Tuesday, March 1, 1864

Cloudy in the morn
began to snow about 8 Oclock
snowed all day we are still
heare the workmen did not
come out to day was on
Guard to night my relief
was the fourth no news

Friday, February 26, 2010

Sunday [February] 28 [1864]

Clear morn and windy
orders to have an
inspection at eleven O
clock was inspected by
Maj [Ellis] Spear got letter
from home last night
and one from [word missing] devine Services
at ten Oclock

Saturday, February 27, 1864

Clear and very warm on
Guard to day my Relief was
the Guard had four men in it
McLain Gilman Waterhouse and
Merriam K A B & H saw
Bill and Charles
they mount to
day the cavalry is on A [?]

Pvt Jacob McLain of Co. K
Pvt/Corp John W. Gilman of Co. A
Pvt George Watterhouse of Co. B
Sgt. Lewis J. Merriam of Co. H. [?]

Friday [February] 26 [1864]

Clear cold and windy to
day wrote A letter to
cousin john was detailed
for camp Guard to
morrow no news to
night except from Hugh
he is at home

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Thursday [February] 25 [1864]

Clear cold and windy Co
drill in the forenoon Battalion
drill in the afternoon one Recruit
to day Pennel Co K was shot
dead axidently by Smith
of K no news wrote A letter
to Meda and Mary Parade at four

William B. Pennell of Co. K, 20th Maine
Three men named Smith in Co. K: Andrew H., James and Joshua.

John J. Pullen's The 20th Maine mentions Pennell being shot by a tentmate who fired an "unloaded" rifle at him.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wednesday, February 24, 1864

Cloudy and warm
nothing new to day
drill in the afternoon
Co drill [ord?] at the
usual hours no Letters
to night the 16th Mish
went to DH Q today they
guard the railroad and Co. H Q

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tuesday [February] 23 [1864]

clear and very warm write
A letter to Sarah and [?]
A detail went on Picket
the 16th Mish came back to
day Sergt Griffin Page
Marden Griffen & Breen goes
home to morrow Perade at [?]

Benjamin Griffin Sgt. Co. B
David Page Pvt. Co. B
Ezra B. Marden Pvt. Co. B
William Griffin Pvt. later Cap. Co. B
John Breen of Co. A or Thomas Breen of Co. G

Monday, February 22, 2010

Monday [February] 22 [1864]

cloudy and looked like
rain was Payed to day
went on Picket and
relieved Tom so that he
could come and get
his Pay received A
Letter from Sarah write one
to Father and one to Ell

Friday, February 19, 2010

Sunday, February 21, 1864

Another lovely day the
Paymaster came to day
we shall be Payed to mor
row signed the Payrol
to day orders for Inspection
at four but we did not have
it received a letter from home

Saturday [February] 20 [1864]

Clear and very warm came
off Guard this morn A detail
for Picket Railroad and
Corps HQ took every man
nothing new to day Williard
came back to night
Dress Parade at the usual ^'hour.'

Friday [February] 19 [1864]

Clear and very warm
went on Guard this morn
my Relief was the first
four men in A relief
no news to day no letter
was expecting one Parade
at the usual hour

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thursday, February 18, 1864

Clear and very cold nothing
to do but sleep have A
very bad cold and sore throat
no news time wares away
very slow especially this
month was detailed for Camp
Guard to morrow

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wednesday [February] 17 [1864]

Clear cold and windy the
coldest for the winter froze
my ears to day no news
to day had to Recite our
Lessons to night A detail from our
Regt went on Picket & [or "I"]
did not have to go No parade

Tuesday [February] 16 [1864]

Cloudy and looks like rain
had orders for A Gen inspection
at ten Oclock began to rain
about 9 1/2 Oclock did not have
to go on Guard this morn
was inspected by [Capt?] Nash
clear away about 11 Oclock

No Captain named Nash in the 20th Maine. Company B. did have a Copl William H. Nash

Monday, February 15, 2010

Monday, February 15, 1864

Clear in the morn clouded
up about ten A M began to
snow about two P M and
snowed all the rest of the
afternoon two Recruits came
to day Vetrons been home on 35
days Furlough was detailed CG

Friday, February 12, 2010

Sunday [February] 14 [1864]

Clear and warm was
relieved this morn by
83rd Penn got to
camp about ten Oclock
orders to have an inspection
at four Oclock was inspected
by Maj Ellis Spears Hughs Beck [?]

Sataurday [February] 13 [1864]

Clear and very warm to
day on Railroad Guard
yet Shall be relieved to
morrow nothing to do
Coln Ware[?] & Capt Morrill
made us A call to see
that everything was right

Captain William W. Morrill or Captain Walter G. Morrill

Friday, February 12, 1864

cloudy in the forenoon and
looked like rain cleared
away about three Oclock
in the afternoon very warm
got A Letter from Father & Mther to night
very Plesant evening

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thursday [February] 11 [1864]

Clear and very warm
went on Railroad Guard
this morn had to go to
Bealton and Relieve
83rd Penn Pleasant time to day

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Wednesday [February] 10 [1864]

Clear and very warm
to day A detail for
Corps HQ today did not
have to go was detailed
to go to Brigade H Q
with ten men on fatigue had
about an hours work to do
detailed for Picket to morrow

Monday, February 8, 2010

Tuesday, February 9, 1864

Clear and warm today
two Officers and 10
enlisted men went from
our Regt today to go home
Recruiting no news
Parade at the usual hour
No letters to night

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sunday [February] 7 [1864]

clear and cold went
on camp guard this morn
A detail went on Picket
[Corp. Samuel] Freeman went to Corps HQ
nothing new to day had
to Recite A Lesson to night
No Parade

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Saturday, February 6, 1864

Cloudy and rained some.
Heavy Cannonading this
forenoon Musketry firing
in the afternoon towards
the Rapidan received A
Letter from home to night
one from BDC and A [M?] Sr

Friday, February 5, 2010

Friday [February] 5 [1864]

Clear and warm
Tom is on camp guard
to day [Corp. Samuel] Freeman came
in from picket this morn
We had to Recite our
Lesson to Night Parade
at the usual hour no Letters
to night

Thursday [February] 4 [1864]

Clear and warm was
A detail for Picket
did not have to go
not much to do no
drill nor Parade Hughes
was detailed to go home
to Recruit

Coporal Richard Hughes of Co. B, 20th Maine

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Wednesday, February 3, 1864

Clear and cold their
was eight recruits
came to our company
to day nothing to do
to day but sleep wrote
a letter to Mother
to day

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Tuesday [February] 2 [1864]

Cloudy and warm
this morn was relieved
this morn the 83rd.
relieved ours Heavy Thunder
showers to night

Monday,February 1 [1864]

Still Cloudy but
has not rained any
yet shall be relieved
to morrow
cleared away about
noon

Friday, January 29, 2010

Sunday, January 31, 1864

Cloudy and rained
little this morn
no news to day

Saturday [January] 30 [1864]

was detailed for Picket
this morn the Picket line
extends from Verman
Ford to Bealton
Station Cloudy looks
like rain

Friday [January] 29 [1864]

Clear and warm
Co drill at 2 Oclock in
the after noon Parade
at the usual hour
A detail for Picket &
did not have to go
did not get the mail last night

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Tuesday, January 28, 1864

Clear and warm was
relieved this morn
from Guard no drill to day
Dress Parade to night
nothing to do times
wear away very slow
this winter wrote A [letter] to
Father

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wednesday [January] 27 [1864]

Went on Guard this morn
my Relief was the 3rd.
Very plesant & Warm
Three men went to Corp H Q
to be givn 2.4 hours Dress Parade

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Tuesday [January] 26 [1864]

Clear and windy but very
warm was relieved this morn at 9 Oclock we
have had orders to get [?]
in the [?] three times
A week Dress Parade at 4 Oclock
PM was detailed for Camp Guard

Monday, January 25, 2010

Monday, January 25, 1864

clear and warm was detailed
to go with three men to
guard the houses that
the 44th New York left
we wanted them for
Hospital for their is
symptoms of the smallpox

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sunday [January] 14 [1864]

Cloudy and windy looks
like rain to day was
relieved from Railroad
this morning at 9 Oclock
no inspection this
morn write A Letter to Mother
to day

Saturday [January] 23 [1864]

Clear and very warm
Co B went to camp this
morn stayed all day [new?]
orders to drill three times a
week received four Letters
one from Home G C Campbell
Elle & Dan Chase

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Friday January 22, 1864

Clear and warm on
Railroad guard got nothing
to do but sleep

George W. Hichborn
Co. B 2oth Maine

Thursday [January] 21 [1864]

Clear and warm went
down to Bealton this
morn to Guard the
Railroad came up
to camp in the afternoon
was Supernumery
Sergt. Griffin O'Neil Pace enlisted today

Perhaps referring to re-enlistments by Sergeants Benjamin Griffin and David Page, both of Co. B. Private Andrew O'Neil of Co. B. may be a new enlistment as he was not on the roster of men who fought at Gettysburg. Thomas A. Desjardin "Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine."

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday [January] 20 [1864]

Clear and warm nothing
to do but eat two
Recruits came to night
for our Co was detailed
for Rail Railroad to
morrow Bought ten of
Orlando Green

Sgt. Orlando Green, Co. B, 20th Maine.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

tuesday, January 10, 1864

Cloudy and windy grows cold
very fast to night
was detailed for fatigue to
morrow to
Corps Head Quarters
the ^'order' detail was countermanded
did not have to go

Friday, January 15, 2010

Monday [January] 18 [1864]

Rains this morn began about
2 Oclock we wer relieved at
nine Rained hard all the
fore noon cloudy all day [showery?]
in the afternoon

Sunday [January] 17 [1864]

Peasant and very warm
clouds up about noon and
looks like rain so am still
on Picket shall be relieved to
morrow

Saturday, January 16, 1864

went to camp this
morn as soon as I came
off post get paid off
beans for all the boys
on Picket warm and
Pleasant Get Letters
from Home M W S & T O D

[Friday] January 15 [1864]

[?] Cloudy in the forenoon
cleared away at noon [every?] [man?]
[went?] on picket this [morn?]
Capt W. G. Morrill had command
of the Picket line I had
ten men in my Relief

Captain Walter G. Morrill, Co. B, 20th Maine. A quarryman from Williamsburg, Me., he served previously in the 6th Maine and was known as the toughest man in the regiment [Thomas A. Desjardin. Stand Firm Ye Boys From Maine] There is a photograph of him in the Civil War Recollections of General Ellis Spear.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Thursday [January] 14 [1864]

Cloudy and warm the
snow melted fast to
day was detailed for
picket to morrow nothing
new to day plenty of
hard tack to eat

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wednesday, January 13, 1864

Pleasant and warm
clouds up in the afternoon
looks like rain or snow
nothing to do to day but
Sleep and cut wood
no news every thing
quiet on the Potomac

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Tuesday [January] 12 [1864]

clear and cold came off
Guard this morn at 9 Oclock
been busy writing to day A
detail went out of our
Regt this morn on picket and
Railroad & [Corp. Samuel P.] Freeman came in he

Monday, January 11, 2010

Monday [January] 11 [1864]

Clear and cold to day
Went on guard this morn
took the third Relief
rather dull times to day
received two letters to day
one from Mother and one from
Marshall W. Sawyer

Friday, January 8, 2010

Sunday, January 10, 1864

Clear and cold nothing
to do Freeman on picket
and I have read every thing
that I can [?] and [?]
and got A letter from Jap W. Day
write an answer to it
was detailed for guard to morrow

Probably Corporal Samuel Freeman of Co. B, 20th Maine.

Saturday [January] 9 [1864]

A fine day nothing to do
laid A flags [paving stones?] in
my tent Sanders and
Gould came to the
Regt to day A detail for
picket but I did not
have to go [rest of line illegible]


Two men with surname Sanders in 20th Maine. Only one in Co. B. was Henry C. Sanders who had suffered a severe hand wound at Gettysburg the previous July. Hichborn may be indicating that he had just returned to duty.

Thirteen men with surname Gould in 20th Maine. Only one in Co. B. was the musician William F. Gould who had also been in the fight at Gettysburg.

Friday [January] 8 [1864]

Snowed all night clears
away the A.M. and very
peasant sunshine all day
write A letter to mother to
day and Sarah

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Thursday, January 7, 1864

Clear and very cold indeed
fetched water to wash with
Went over to Brigade Headquar
ters and got my express box
found Every thing all right
began to snow [this?] 3 P M

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Wednesday [January] 6 [1864]

cloudy this morning
A squad of the first Maine
Cavalry took fifteen prisoners
up at Brandy Station
this morning captured them
at Manassas Gap

Tuesday [January] 5 [1864]

Cloudy in the morning
pass away about noon
Sun comes out in the
afternoon very cold

Monday, January 4, 2010

Monday, January 4, 1864

Plesant this morning clouds
up about ten A.M. and began
to snow sold my pipe to
Charles A Skilings
wrote three letters to day
[Gather?] Almond and Charles
wrote a letter to brother John

Charles A. Skillings, Private in Co. B.

Sunday [January] 3 [1864]

very Pleasant this
morning clouds up in
the forenoon. came off
from picket cloudy this
evening & looks like snow

Saturday [January] 2 [1864]

Cold and clear this
morning froze very hard
last night got A
letter from home to day
with the reciept for
my express box

Friday, January 1, 1864

Cold & windy this A M
on picket very mudy rained
in the morning went in
camp for rations at
night